What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 2:6? The punishment Paul writes, “The punishment imposed on him…” (2 Corinthians 2:6). Unrepentant sin in the fellowship demands discipline. In 1 Corinthians 5:3-5, Paul had already instructed the church to remove a man living immorally; that earlier command forms the backdrop. Like the corrective measures in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15, this “punishment” is not vengeance but loving correction—discipline designed to protect the purity of Christ’s body and awaken the offender to his need for repentance. Imposed on him The focus is a specific offender, not a vague class of sinners. Galatians 6:1 reminds believers, “If someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness.” Here, Paul highlights that discipline has a personal aim: it touches the heart of the one who sinned. By naming the offender only as “him,” Paul preserves dignity while still dealing realistically with wrongdoing, much as he does later in 2 Corinthians 7:8-10 when speaking of godly sorrow bringing repentance. By the majority Discipline was carried out “by the majority,” underscoring that church action was corporate, not the whim of a few. This echoes Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 18:15-17: the whole assembly may eventually be involved when a brother refuses to listen. Acts 15:22 shows the early church making decisions together; Paul expects similar congregational responsibility here. Unity in discipline safeguards against partiality (1 Timothy 5:21) and bears witness that holiness matters to the whole family of God. Is sufficient The phrase signals completion: enough has been done. Hebrews 12:11 speaks of discipline that “yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness” once it has accomplished its purpose. Likewise, 1 Corinthians 11:32 notes that the Lord disciplines us “so that we will not be condemned with the world.” Paul senses that the offender’s sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:9-11) proves genuine; continued punishment would now be excessive. For him Everything carried out was “for him”—for his benefit, not his ruin. Paul immediately adds, “Instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow” (2 Corinthians 2:7). Restoration is the goal. Galatians 6:2 urges believers to “carry one another’s burdens,” and 2 Timothy 2:24-25 highlights gentle correction so that God may grant repentance. The offender stands ready to be welcomed back into fellowship, strengthened rather than shamed. summary 2 Corinthians 2:6 shows church discipline working as God intends. A specific sinner faced corporate correction; the majority acted together, and the punishment achieved its aim. Because the discipline is now “sufficient,” the time has come for forgiveness and restoration. Holiness and mercy walk hand in hand, preserving the purity of the church while seeking the full recovery of every member. |
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